Key Fastening Device

ABSTRACT

Certain embodiments of an apparatus for retaining keys are disclosed. In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a fastener that can be attached to a purse or other items. The fastener can be coupled with a holding device that can allow a user to selectively attach or detach a keychain or other items. Various options for constructing embodiments of the apparatus are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/815,516, filed Jun. 20, 2006, titled KEY FASTENING DEVICE, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of this specification.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates in general to the field of keychains, and in particular to keychain fasteners.

2. Description of the Related Art

Keys play an important role in the everyday life of many people. As a result, many people carry keys with them wherever they go. Keychains exist for retaining one or more keys. However, existing keychains and related devices suffer from various drawbacks and limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, a fastening device for a keychain comprises a holding interface configured to selectively retain and release the keychain. The fastening device can further comprise a base with a front side and a back side, and a clamp attached to the back side of the base. The fastening device can comprise a connection system coupling the holding interface to the clamp. In some embodiments, the fastening device further comprises an ornamental plate attached to the front side of the base.

In some embodiments, a system for retaining a keychain comprises a container having a lip. The system can further comprise a fastener portion configured to fasten to the lip of the container. The fastener portion can comprise an outer base and an inner clamp. The base can be configured to display a decorative attachment outwardly from the container and the clamp can be configured to contact an inner surface of the container. The system can further comprise a holding interface attached to the clamp and configured to hold a keychain. The system can further comprise a connection system joining the clamp to the holding interface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The inventions will be better understood from the Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments and from the appended drawings, which illustrate and do not limit the inventions, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a key holding device;

FIG. 2 is a back view of one embodiment of a key holding device;

FIG. 3 is a left side view of an upper portion of the key holding device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a top portion of the device of FIG. 2 taken through line 4-4;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the key holding device of FIG. 2 and an insertion plate;

FIG. 6 is a back view of another embodiment of a key holding device;

FIG. 7 is a left side view of a top portion of the key holding device of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the top portion of FIG. 7 taken through line 8-8 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a front view of the key holding device of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 10 is a back view of another embodiment of a key holding device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A need exists for people to keep keys easily accessible. However, clothing does not always provide for the storage of keys; for example, many pants and skirts are pocket-less. As a result, many people carry keys in containers, such as purses, bags, backpacks, briefcases, etc. This practice often leads to the loss of keys. In some instances, people forget that they have placed their keys in the containers and may inadvertently cause the keys to fall from the containers when removing other items. In other instances, the containers are filled with many other items among which the keys may settle during transport. People often discover, with great frustration, that their keys have moved and are difficult to find.

In addition, some pockets are not well-suited for storing keys and may allow keys to slip out when a person sits down, goes jogging, works out at the gym, or does any of a number of other activities. Moreover, keys are often bulky and not easily carried in pockets. Pockets also occasionally develop holes through which keys fall and are lost.

As a result, there is a need for a device for fastening keys to a container, clothing, pocket or other article. In certain embodiments, such a device can prevent the loss of keys from, and the misplacement of keys within, a container. Such a device also can enable people wearing pocket-less clothing to nevertheless keep their keys on hand. In some embodiments, the device can be used to attach keys to pants, skirts, belts, accessories, or other surfaces, and may also be used for items other than keys. In some embodiments, the device can provide added security against the loss of keys for those wearing clothing with pockets, since the device could be attached to the edge of a pocket. Further, such a device may be decoratively designed to accessorize a person's wardrobe.

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a key holding device 10. The device 10 comprises a fastener portion 20, a connection system 60, and a holding interface 80. The fastener portion 20 may be attached to purses, bags, clothing, accessories, or other items in either a temporary or permanent fashion. Numerous means for establishing such an attachment with an item are possible. Such means include, but are not limited to, clamp mechanisms, pins, pin and clasp mechanisms, magnets, and integral formation with the material of the item.

The connection system 60 serves to connect the fastener portion 20 with the holding interface 80. The connection so formed may be detachable or permanent. The connection system 60 may serve as a direct connection between the fastener portion 20 and the interface 80, accomplished by welding or gluing, for example. The connection system 60 may instead comprise an intermediate component, such as a chain, a clasp, a ribbon, a retractable zip line, etc. The connection system 60 may thereby serve as an indirect connection between the fastener portion 20 and the interface 80.

The holding interface 80 is configured to accept and hold a keychain and to release the keychain when a user so desires. As used herein, the term “keychain” is a broad term that includes its common definition as well as any device that may be used to connect keys to one another, including key rings, strings, ribbons, etc. The holding interface 80 may accept and hold keys directly or indirectly. Of course, the holding interface 80 may also accept and hold items other than keys or keychains. For example, held items could include access cards, decorative trinkets, tools for computer repair, etc.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a device 110, as seen from the back side. The device 110 comprises a fastener portion 120, a connection system 160, and a holding interface 180. The fastener portion 120 comprises a base 130 and a clamp 140. The clamp 140 may comprise metal, plastic, and/or another substantially rigid material. The clamp 140 has an upper end 142 and a lower end 144. In some embodiments, the upper end 142 and lower end 144 differ in width. The upper end 142 may be sized and configured to allow a user to easily grasp it, and may comprise ridges or bumps. The clamp 140 may decrease in width to a lower end 144. The narrower width may enable the clamp 140 to be inserted easily into small areas. The lower end 144 may comprise a hole 145 through which an upper link 156 may be inserted, as described more fully below.

In certain embodiments, the clamp 140 is pivotally mounted to an extension 132 that extends from the base 130. The extension 132 may be mounted on the base 130, or it may be integrally formed therewith. In certain embodiments, the extension 132 comprises tab portions 138. In some embodiments, the tab portions 138 comprise two ends of a bar mounted on the extension 132. In other embodiments, the tab portions 138 are integrally formed with the extension 132. The tab portions 138 may be substantially cylindrical. The tab portions 138 may comprise a material that is substantially rigid, such as metal, and may also be substantially smooth to permit the clamp 140 to pivot easily. In certain embodiments, flanges 143 extend outward from the clamp 140 to engage the tab portions 138 in a manner allowing pivotal motion. Other suitable means may also be used to pivotally mount the clamp 140 to the extension 132 or base 130.

In certain embodiments, the connection system 160 comprises a series of connected links. The connection system 160 of the illustrated embodiment comprises an upper link 156, intermediate links 162, and a lower link 164. In some embodiments, the upper link 156 may extend through a hole in the lower end 144 of the clamp 140. In other embodiments, the upper link is integrally formed with the clamp 140. The intermediate links 162 connect the upper link 156 with the lower link 164. The illustrated connection system permits a wide range of motion between the fastener portion 120 and the holding interface 180. This range of motion allows keys that are attached to the holding interface 180 to settle into positions that may be more comfortable for a user and prevents breaking that might occur in more rigidly connected systems. In some embodiments, a retractable zip-line (not shown) is incorporated into the connection system. The retractable zip-line can extend to allow the keys to temporarily pull away from the rest of the device for use, and can then be retracted for storage.

In certain embodiments, the lower link 164 comprises an opening (not shown) for coupling with the holding interface 180. The holding interface 180 may rotate about an axis extending through the opening, thus providing an additional degree of freedom between the fastener portion 120 and the holding interface. Other means are possible for connecting the holding interface 180 to the fastener portion 120 which may provide more or fewer degrees of freedom.

In certain embodiments, the holding interface 180 is configured to hold a keychain when in one state and release the keychain when in another. In the illustrated embodiment, the holding interface 180 comprises a gate 186 and a lever 188 that are coupled to each other as a system. In one state, the gate 186 defines a loop 184 that is closed. In another state, one end of the gate 186 is oriented away from the loop 184, thereby creating an opening through which a key, keychain, or other device may enter or exit. In other embodiments, the opening may be created by moving one end of the gate 186 toward the loop 184. The gate 186 may be opened by moving the lever 188, which rotates the system about an axis 187. A spring (not shown) or other biasing means may be used to keep the gate 186 closed when in its resting state. In certain embodiments, the holding interface 180 comprises a carabineer. The holding interface 180 may instead comprise a clip or ring. Numerous other arrangements are possible for the holding interface 180.

In some embodiments, the holding interface 180 may hold keys directly. The holding interface 180 may comprise a keychain, a key ring, or other similar apparatus. In some embodiments, the holding interface 180 can comprise a container in which a key or other small item may be enclosed. Some embodiments may provide sufficient space to enclose multiple keys.

FIG. 3 illustrates the fastener portion 120 as seen from the left side. When the fastener portion 120 is in a closed position, the lower end 144 of the clamp 140 and the lower end of the extension 132 define an opening 147. The opening 147 may be enlarged by moving the upper end 142 of the clamp 140 toward the base 130. An item (not shown), such as a lip or edge of a purse, may then be inserted in the opening 147. When the upper end 142 is released, the clamp returns to its closed position due to a biasing member such as a spring. The biasing member is associated with the tab portion 138 in some configurations. The clamp 140 thus contacts one surface of the item while the base 130 contacts another surface of the item. The item is held between the clamp 140 and the base 130 due to the force exerted on the clamp 140 by the biasing member. In some embodiments, ridges 146 are provided along the edge of the clamp 140 for gripping an item placed in the opening 147, thereby making the attachment more secure. The ridges may alternatively be placed on the base 130 or may not be present.

In some embodiments, the extension 132 is configured to secure the device 110 in place without a clamp 140. The extension 132 may, in combination with the base 130, define the opening 147. In some embodiments, the extension 132 contacts a back surface of the base 130. A user may slide an item in between the extension 132 and the base 130, causing the extension to hold the item tightly against the base. In such embodiments, the extension 132 may be formed of a material sufficiently rigid to hold the device 110 in place yet sufficiently compliant to allow an item to be inserted in the opening 147. For example, the material may be metal or plastic. In such embodiments, the clamp 140 may not be required because the extension 132 provides the clamping function.

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial cross-section of a portion of the fastener portion 120, where the cross section is taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 2. In certain embodiments, a depression 150 is formed in a front portion of the base 130. The depression 150 is configured to accept an insertion plate (see FIG. 5) that may comprise a decorative design on one side. The insertion plate can be used in other items, such as pins, buttons, and other novelties. The depression 150 thus provides a level of interoperability with various products. The depression 150 has a depth d, which may be less than, equal to, or greater than the thickness of the insertion plate. In one embodiment, the depth d is about 1.3 millimeters. The depression 150 has a bottom surface 152. In certain embodiments, the bottom surface 152 is finely textured, which facilitates adhesion thereto by the insertion plate. In other embodiments, the base 130 has a substantially uniform thickness, and is thus free of depressions. The base 130 may also vary in thickness, thereby comprising a bulge and/or depression. Other configurations are also possible.

FIG. 5 illustrates the device 110 as seen from the front and an insertion plate 153 that can be inserted in the base 130. The insertion plate 153 can comprise a decorative face 155 that is visible when the plate is attached to the base 130. The decorative face 155 can comprise a logo, a design, a picture, or any other decorative feature.

In the illustrated embodiment, the base 130 and the bottom surface 152 are substantially circular and concentric. In certain embodiments, the diameter of the bottom surface 152 is about 1 and 1/16 inches. The insertion plate 153 can be attached to the bottom surface 152. In the illustrated embodiment, the insertion plate 153 is substantially circular. Such a symmetrical arrangement of the base 130, the bottom surface 152, and the insertion plate 153 is aesthetically pleasing, and is further complemented by a series of hemispherical protrusions 154 that extend from the periphery of the base 130. Other embodiments employ different complementary shapes for the base 130, the bottom surface 152, and the insertion plate 153. Non-complementary shapes can also be used. The protrusions 154 may also assume other shapes. In some embodiments, the fastener portion 120 is configured to allow interchangeable insertion plates 153. In certain of these embodiments, the insertion plates 153 may be detached and replaced by a user. An interchangeable insertion plate 153 can be attached to the base 130 by snapping, pressure fitting, hook and pile fasteners, magnets, adhesives, or any other suitable means of attachment.

Thus, a user may vary the appearance of the invention by inserting different insertion plates 153. For example, the insertion plates 153 may be of different colors or patterns to match different containers or clothing worn by the user.

Alternatively, modular insertion plates 153 can allow for efficient manufacture of the device 110. For example, decorative insertion plates that may exist for other uses can be used with the device 110 if the dimensions of the plates are compatible with those of the device 110. Other embodiments may use decorative means other than insertion plates 153. For example, the base 130 may comprise one unitary decorative piece.

In the illustrated embodiment, the base 130 is large compared to the clamp 140. A larger base 130 may be easier for a user to attach and detach from a purse or other item because it provides a greater surface area against which a user may press. A larger base 130 can also allow a user to find the device 110 more easily, and in some instances, is aesthetically pleasing. Other sizes may also be used for the base 130. The protrusions 154 may also aid in the attachment and detachment of the device 110 by providing traction for a user's fingers. In certain embodiments, the base comprises metal, plastic, or other material with sufficient stiffness to withstand the force exerted by a user when attaching or detaching the device 110.

When the device 110 is attached to an item, such as a lip of a purse, a front face of the fastener portion 120 is located on one side of the item, such as an outside or exterior surface of the lip of the purse, for example. The holding interface 180, the connection system 160, and at least a lower portion of the clamp 140 are located on another side of the item, such as an interior surface of the lip of the purse. This arrangement may be desirable for those who wish to display the decorative face 155 of the device 110 while keeping any keys attached to the device from view. For example, a user may place a set of keys in the holding interface 180, place the keys in a purse, and clamp the device 110 to a lip of the purse. The keys thus will be securely stowed from view while the decorative face 155 remains visible. Similar methods may also be used for clamping the device 110 to other items.

In certain embodiments, the base 130 is substantially non-planar. In some embodiments, the base 130 is configured to accept a substantially non-planar decorative covering. For example, a decorative ball, helmet, or other three-dimensional object may be connected to the base 130, either permanently or detachably.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a device 210, as seen from the back side. The device 210 comprises a fastener portion 220, a connection system 260, and a holding interface 280. The fastener portion 220 comprises a base 230 and a clamp 240. The clamp 240 may comprise metal, plastic, and/or another substantially rigid material. The clamp 240 has an upper end 242 and lower end 244. In some embodiments, the upper end 242 and a lower end 244 differ in width. The upper end 242 may be sized and configured to allow a user to easily grasp it, and may comprise ridges or bumps. The clamp 240 may increase in width to a lower end 244 to provide a larger surface with which the clamp 240 may provide frictional force. The lower end 244 may comprise a ridge 246 that extends toward the base 230 for purposes of gripping the material to which the device 210 is attached.

FIG. 7 illustrates the fastener portion 220 as seen from the left side. In certain embodiments, the clamp 240 is pivotally mounted to the base 230. In some embodiments, the clamp 240 is pivotally mounted to a frame 232 that extends from the base 230, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. The frame 232 may be mounted on the base 230, or it may be integrally formed therewith. In certain embodiments, a bar 238 extends through and connects the clamp 240 and the frame 232, and further serves as a fulcrum about which the clamp 240 may be rotated. In some embodiments, the bar 238 is substantially cylindrical and smooth. The bar 238 may comprise a material that is substantially rigid, such as metal. The bar 238 may be longer than the width of the clamp 240, as depicted in FIG. 6, or it may be the same or shorter. In some embodiments, other suitable means are used to pivotally mount the clamp 240 to the frame 232. When the fastener portion 220 is in a closed position, the lower end 244 of the clamp 240 and the lower end of the frame 232 define an opening 247. The opening 247 may be enlarged by moving the upper end 242 of the clamp 240 toward the base 230. An item (not shown), such as a lip or edge of a purse, may then be inserted in the opening 247. When the upper end 242 is released, the clamp returns to its closed position, and the item is held in the opening 247, thereby attaching the device 210 to the item. The ridge 246 operates with an extension 236 of the frame 232 to effectively grip the item, thereby making the attachment more secure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-section of the fastener portion 220 taken along the line 8-8 in FIG. 6. A middle portion of a spring 249 is coiled around the bar 238. One end of the spring 249 contacts a surface of the base 230 and another end of the spring contacts an interior surface of the clamp 240. The spring thus provides a bias to maintain the clamp 240 in a closed position. Although only one end of the spring 249 would be visible in a true cross-section of the fastener portion 220, both ends are shown in FIG. 8 for illustrative purposes. Other suitable methods for providing a bias to the clamp may also be used.

In certain embodiments, a depression 250 is formed in a front portion of the base 230. The depression 250 is configured to accept an insertion plate, such as the insertion plate 153 described above with respect to the device 110. The depression 250 has a depth d, which can be less than, equal to, or greater than the thickness of the insertion plate. In one embodiment, the depth d is about 1.3 millimeters. The depression 250 has a bottom surface 252. In certain embodiments, the bottom surface 252 is finely textured, which facilitates adhesion thereto by the insertion plate. In other embodiments, the base 230 has a substantially uniform thickness, and is thus free of depressions. The base 230 may also vary in thickness, thereby comprising a bulge and/or depression. Other configurations are also possible.

FIG. 9 illustrates the device 210 as seen from the front. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 230 and the bottom surface 252 are substantially circular and concentric. In certain embodiments, the diameter of the bottom surface 252 is about 1 and 1/16 inches. The insertion plate can be attached to the bottom surface 252. In some embodiments, the insertion plate is circular. The circular arrangement of the insertion plate and the base 230 is complimented by a series of hemispherical protrusions 254 that extend from the periphery of the base 230. Other embodiments employ different complementary shapes for the base 230, the bottom surface 252, and the insertion plate. Non-complementary shapes can also be used. The protrusions 254 may also assume other shapes. In some embodiments, the fastener portion 220 is configured to allow interchangeable insertion plates. In certain of these embodiments, the insertion plates may be detached and replaced by a user. An interchangeable insertion plate can be attached to the base 230 by snapping, pressure fitting, hook and pile fasteners, magnets, adhesives, or any other suitable means of attachment. Alternatively, modular insertion plates can allow for efficient manufacture of the device 210. For example, decorative insertion plates that may exist for other uses can be used with the device 210 if the dimensions of the plates are compatible with those of the device 210. Other embodiments may use decorative means other than insertion plates. For example, the base 230 may comprise one unitary decorative piece.

In the illustrated embodiment, the base 230 is relatively large compared with the clamp 240. A larger base 230 may be easier for a user to attach and detach from a purse or other item because it provides a greater surface area against which a user may press. A larger base 230 can also allow a user to find the device 110 more easily, and in some instances, is aesthetically pleasing. Other sizes may also be used for the base 230. The protrusions 254 may also aid in the attachment and detachment of the device 210 by providing traction for a user's fingers. In certain embodiments, the base comprises metal, plastic, or other material with sufficient stiffness to withstand the force exerted by a user when attaching or detaching the device 210.

In certain embodiments, the base 230 is substantially non-planar. In some embodiments, the base 230 is configured to accept a substantially non-planar decorative covering. For example, a decorative ball, helmet, or other three-dimensional object may be connected to the base 230, either permanently or detachably.

The base 230 of the fastener portion 220 may be attached to a portion of the connection system 260, as shown. The connection system 260 of the illustrated embodiment comprises an upper link 256, a clasp 262, and a lower link 264. In certain embodiments, the upper link 256 is integrally formed with the base 230. In other embodiments, the upper link 256 may be welded, affixed with screws, or attached to the base 230 by other suitable means. The upper link 256 may define a U shape that encloses an area when the link is attached to the base 230. The clasp 262 may be fixed to the upper link 256. In some embodiments, the clasp 262 encircles the upper link 256 in a manner allowing rotation about the upper link 256. Similarly, the clasp 262 may be fixed to or be rotatable around the lower link 264. Rotation of the clasp 262 around either the upper link 256 or the lower link 264 provides one degree of freedom between the fastener portion 220 and the holding interface 280. This freedom of motion allows keys that are attached to the holding interface 280 to settle into positions that are more comfortable for a user and prevents breaking that might occur in more rigidly connected systems.

In certain embodiments, the lower link 264 comprises an opening (not shown) for coupling with the holding interface 280. The holding interface 280 may rotate about an axis extending through the opening, thus providing an additional degree of freedom between the fastener portion 220 and the holding interface 280. Other means are possible for connecting the holding interface 280 to the fastener portion 220 which may provide more or fewer degrees of freedom. In addition, the holding interface 280 may be integral with or connected directly to the fastener portion 220. In such an embodiment, a connection system would not be necessary.

In certain embodiments, the holding interface 280 is configured to hold a keychain when in one state and release the keychain when in another. In the illustrated embodiment, the holding interface 280 comprises a gate 286 and a lever 288 that are coupled to each other as a system. In one state, the gate 286 defines a loop 284 that is closed. In another state, one end of the gate 286 is oriented away from the loop 284, thereby creating an opening through which a keychain or other device may enter or exit. In other embodiments, the opening may be created by moving one end of the gate 286 toward the loop 284. The gate 286 may be opened by moving the lever 288, which rotates the system about an axis 287. A spring (not shown) or other biasing means may be used to keep the gate 286 closed when in its resting state. In certain embodiments, the holding interface 280 comprises a carabineer. The holding interface 280 may instead comprise a clip. Numerous other arrangements are possible for the holding interface 280.

In some embodiments, the holding interface 180 may hold keys directly. The holding interface 280 may comprise a keychain, a key ring, or other similar apparatus. In some embodiments, the holding interface 280 can comprise a container in which a key or other small item may be enclosed. Some embodiments may provide sufficient space to enclose multiple keys.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a device 310, as seen from the back side. The device 310 comprises a fastener portion 320, a connection system 360, and a holding interface 380. The device 310 is similar to the device 210, save that the connection system 360 is mounted to a different portion of the fastener portion 320. In certain embodiments, an upper link 356 of the connection system 360 is connected to a clamp 340. In some embodiments, the upper link 356 is attached to a lower end of the clamp 340. Because of the orientation of the connection system 360 relative to the fastener portion 320, the device 310 provides advantages similar to those of the device 110 described above.

By using the disclosed apparatus, a user may safely and securely store keys or other items in an easily accessible location. This avoids the time consuming and frustrating occurrence of looking for or losing keys or other articles. In addition, the current device is aesthetically pleasing and can be used as a fashion accessory.

The foregoing description sets forth various preferred embodiments and other exemplary but non-limiting embodiments of the inventions disclosed herein. The description gives some details regarding combinations and modes of the disclosed inventions. Other variations, combinations, modifications, modes, and/or applications of the disclosed features and aspects of the embodiments are also within the scope of this disclosure, including those that become apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this specification. Thus, the scope of the invention claimed herein should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow. 

1. A fastening device for a keychain comprising: a holding interface configured to selectively retain and release the keychain; a base with a front side and a back side; a clamp attached to the back side of the base; a connection system coupling the holding interface to the clamp; and an ornamental plate secured to the front side of the base.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the clamp is configured to apply pressure to the back side of the base.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the ornamental plate is detachable from the front side of the base.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the holding interface comprises a gate.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the holding interface comprises a carabineer.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the connection system comprises at least one link.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the at least one link permits the holding interface to move relative to the clamp.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the connection system comprises a retractable zip line.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the plate is configured to be removable from the base.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the clamp is configured to selectively engage and disengage a purse.
 11. A system for retaining a keychain comprising: a container having a lip; a fastener portion configured to fasten to the lip of the container, the fastener portion comprising an outer base and an inner clamp, the base configured to display a decorative attachment outwardly from the container, and the clamp configured to contact an inner surface of the container; a holding interface attached to the clamp and configured to hold a keychain; and a connection system joining the clamp to the holding interface.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the base has a front surface and a back surface, wherein the front surface of the base is attached to the decorative attachment and the back surface of the base is configured to contact an outside surface of the container.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the container is a purse.
 14. The device of claim 11, wherein the fastener is configured to disengage an edge of the container.
 15. The device of claim 11, wherein the holding interface is configured to retain one or more keys.
 16. The device of claim 11, wherein the connection system permits the holding interface to move relative to the fastener portion.
 17. The system of claim 11, wherein the container is a pocket. 